The 9/4 favourite Western Run landed the Plaza Hotel Rated Novice Hurdle in the hands of 5lb claimer Conor McNamara.

The market leader travelled well towards the outside of the field and came through to lead after the second-last.

He kept on well to repel the challenge of Flemings Dream (15/2) by two and three quarter lengths, with Friary Rock (17/2) back in third a further two and a quarter lengths away.

Never out of the first three in seven starts to date, the winner had easily won a Downpatrick maiden hurdle on his previous outing.

Feidhlim Cunningham, assistant to winning trainer Gavin Cromwell, remarked: "He was unlucky not to win a bumper and did it well in a maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

"We came here hoping he'd go and do it again and he is improving with every run.

"We'll see if the handicapper leaves him alone or gives him a few pounds and we'll make a plan then. He is definitely one to look forward to though.

"He should be all right on winter ground but we'll take our time and see."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes